Cat Illnesses

Domestic
cats are, by and large, healthy creatures. A good diet and your love,
affection and attention will go a long way in preventing your feline
from becoming ill.

There are many feline ailments that have the same or similar symptoms
to other illnesses.

It can be very difficult for the average cat owner to
make any sort of diagnosis.

Cats like to keep their coats in good condition. If a cat neglects grooming, there will be a reason for it.

Even when illnesses are correctly
identified, knowing the best treatment is beyond the layman.

What would
be the best treatment for one cat may be completely ineffective for
another cat suffering the same illness.

A trained and qualified
veterinarian is the best possible person to diagnose and treat any
health problems, diseases or disorders a cat may have.

This page lists some of the more common cat illnesses and conditions (
it is by no means an exhaustive list.)

Also some
information about the conditions is given, or links to where the information may
be found.

It is for your information only, if your cat is unwell, please
take him or her to your veterinarian.

Feline Asthma

Feline Asthma is an inflammation of the bronchioles lung passageways ( bronchioles.)

The condition can also be referred to as cat asthma, feline bronchial
disease, allergic bronchitis, and allergic airway disease.

This is a
respiratory condition, a cat illness that makes it very difficult for
your cat to breathe.

Many 'triggers' can set off an asthmatic
attack including allergens (both airborne and non-airborne,) food
allergies, bacterial infection and certain viruses. It is thought that
stress may also play a part.

Cat Distemper

The first symptoms of feline distemper (Panleukopenia) that you
notice, may be that your cat is sluggish and low-spirited, has a loss
of appetite, is running a fever, and is possibly vomiting.

In
common with many cat illnesses, a cat with feline distemper may display
the 'third eyelid', a haw that shows at the inner corner of the eye.

If you suspect that your cat is suffering from this disease it is vital that you get her to a vet right away. Find out why - Cat Distemper.

Feline Aids

Feline immunodeficiency virus is, more often than not, spread through
saliva from bite wounds of an infected cat. Tom cats are at a higher
risk if allowed to roam freely as they are highly likely to get into
fights.

Sexual activity however is not a major cause of the spread of
feline aids.

Following primary infection, the virus spreads to nearby lymph nodes
and over time to all the lymph nodes.

This stage is usually without
symptoms and can last for months.

In the second stage (sub clinical) the virus may lie dormant and again typically there are no symptoms.

In
the final stage, often referred to as the chronic infection stage or
feline aids, the immune system is impaired making the cat vulnerable to
diseases and infections that would not greatly affect a cat in good
health. Feline Aids.

Cat Illnesses - Kidney Disease

Feline kidney disease is a common cat health problem, in particular, but not exclusively for older cats.

Two of the most usual symptoms of cat kidney disease are an increase in urine production and an increased thirst.

If your cat is showing symptoms of kidney disease, it is essential to take him or her to your veterinarian. More information Feline Kidney Disease

Feline Diabetes

Any owner of a cat with diabetes must be fully prepared to make an
individual as well as a financial commitment to keep their animal as
healthy as possible.

Feline diabetes can be controlled in much the same manner as diabetes
can be controlled in humans.

Owners of diabetic cats can provide their
pets treatment that will allow those felines to live a long life full of
love and dedication.

Although Feline Diabetes can be controlled, this cat illness cannot be ignored without consequences.

Cat Arthritis

It is sad to see that your feline friend is not as agile as she once
was. It is also distressing to know that your pet is in a degree of
pain and discomfort.

A cat that has difficulty standing after resting, or walks stiffly may have arthritis.

Is there any treatment that can reduce the symptoms and improve the condition of an arthritic cat? Find out here - Cat Arthritis

Feline Heartworm

It was once believed that heartworm in felines was a very rare
occurrence. However we now know that, although felines stand less
chance of heartworm infection than canines, the condition can be more
devastating for cats.

This is one of a few cat illnesses there is no approved treatment for at
present. The side effects can be reduced however and a lot can be done
to prevent the condition. Heartworms In Cats

Symptoms That Could Indicate Cat Illnesses

Most usually Cat Diarrhea is
not serious and can be caused by something as simple as a change in
your cat's diet. The condition can, however, also be a symptom that may
show the presence of one or more of several different cat illnesses or
health problems.

Lethargic Cat.
Cat inactive, flopped out and not interested in doing much. Is this a
sign that something is wrong? It may well be, but not necessarily so.

Cats are, by and large, healthy creatures. A good diet and your love, affection and attention will go a long way in preventing your feline from becoming ill.

An occasional Passing of Gas by a Cat
is likely nothing to worry about. It can be unpleasant and
embarrassing, but not usually a symptom of anything serious.

Frequent
bouts of cat gas however could be a sign that something is not right.

As with humans, there are many things that can cause a cat to Cough or Sneeze. Likely the condition is only temporary and the cause something minor.

If
the cat coughing or sneezing is prolonged or is accompanied by other
symptoms, then it could be an indication of a cat illness and should be
checked.

Some estimates claim that up to 40% of pet Cats are Overweight, clearly excess weight is not healthy for cats.

On the other hand weight loss, particularly rapid weight loss, can be a symptom of a serious disorder. Is your Cat Not Eating? You need to discover why your cat is refusing food.

If
your cat is eating but losing weight, then it could be a sign of
several serious cat illnesses, don't ignore it, a healthy cat should
keep a steady weight – contact your veterinarian.

The eyes are
the window to the soul. A cat's eyes can also be a good indicator of
health. Eyesight is as important to cats as it is to humans, to find out
the conditions that can affect a cats eyes, read this page - Cat Eye Health.

Many cats, both short and long haired, have stunningly beautiful
coats. As well as being good to look at the condition of a cat's coat
can often tell us if the animal is in good health or not.

Cats like to keep their coats in good condition. If a cat neglects grooming, there will be a reason for it.